The British Film Institute Wants To Highlight The Importance Of Video Games

Last month, the British Film Institute (BFI) unveiled details for its Screen Culture 2033 strategy roadmap. This initiative aims to bolster the United Kingdom’s screen-based industries, which, of course, include video games.

In a blog post, the organization laid out some of the goals it hopes to achieve over the next ten years. Besides helping the TV and movie industries, the roadmap also wants to advocate “for the value of the full breadth of screen culture, including video games and interactive work.”

Beyond that, over the next three years, the BFI will invest almost $150 million into priority areas. Unfortunately, a spokesperson for the BFI said that funding for video game development will not be included in this initial three-year phase. However, game companies may be able to benefit from other projects and investments. In fact, over $11 million will be dedicated to screen heritage work, which includes video game preservation efforts.

“Most of us experience or contribute to screen culture – through film, TV, online video, extended reality, and video games – in our daily lives,” said the BFI’s chief executive, Ben Roberts. “It informs and defines us, and continues to grow as an art form and a creative industry. With Screen Culture 2033 we want to transform the way in which people can access our programs, appreciate screen culture, and gain skills and jobs across the UK. We will generate wider access to our world-class collections and programs, including through an expansion of our digital platforms. And we have designed our new National Lottery strategy and funding plan in response to what we have heard during open consultation in developing UK-wide benefits and the value of partnerships. At a time when economic pressures are affecting people’s lives and industry resilience, our commitment to deliver against the National Lottery’s Good Causes mandate has never been more important. Screen culture isn’t standing still and neither are we.“

The BFI told GamesIndustry.biz that video games and extended reality experiences will play an important part in the organization’s skills and education plans. Additionally, research will be conducted by the BFI to understand the societal impact of video games.

(All information was provided by GamesIndustry.biz and the BFI)